Fad Diet Or Exercise? Maintainaing Weight Among Millennials
FAD DIET OR EXERCISE? MAINTAINAING WEIGHT AMONG MILLENNIALS by Leigh Mattson Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Departmental Honors in the Department of Nutritional Sciences Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas May 7, 2018 Texas Christian University, Leigh Mattson, May 2018 FAD DIETS OR EXERCISE? MAINTAINING WEIGHT AMONG MILLENNIALS Project Approved: Supervising Professor: Dr. Anne VanBeber, PhD, RD, LD, FAND Department of Nutritional Sciences Dr. Lyn Dart, PhD, RD, LD Department of Nutritional Sciences Dr. Wendy Williams John V. Roach Honors College 2 Texas Christian University, Leigh Mattson, May 2018 ABSTRACT Background: Research indicates millennials are more concerned about having healthy eating habits than following fad diets, and they exercise more than their baby boomer counterparts. The purposes of this study were 1) to determine reasons university students follow fad diets, and 2) to determine other methods students utilize for weight management. Methods: In this un-blinded, randomized trial approved by TCU IRB, participants completed an online research questionnaire after providing informed consent. Population included 236 TCU male and female students, 18-22 years old. Analyses assessed students’ history of fad dieting and outcomes, perceived health status based on body weight and image, eating and exercise habits, and incidence of lifestyle practices such as smoking and alcohol use. Data was analyzed using SPSS (p<0.05). Frequency distributions and correlations were analyzed for trends in health maintenance behaviors. Results: Participants self-identified as 76% females, 85% white, 6% Hispanic, and 4% other ethnicity. Only 32% of participants had followed a fad diet (p=0.01). Participants who followed fad diets included 30% Paleolithic®, 23% Gluten-Free®, 20% Weight Watchers®, and 14% Atkins®.
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